Minority Mental Health Matters with Dr. Eliza Belle

Dr. Eliza Belle is a Licensed Psychologist and Board Certified Forensic Examiner. She currently serves as the Director of Psychological and Behavioral Services for Alabama’s Department of Mental Health.

 

Let’s talk about discrepancies in mental health treatment between minorities and non-minorities.

 

20% of African American adults are more likely to experience more negative impacts from mental health issues. However, they are less likely to receive it due to misdiagnosis, lack of culturally responsive health care professionals, and socioeconomic factors.

 

18% of US adults have a diagnosable mental disorder in a given year, and approximately 4% of adults have a serious mental illness.

Mental disorders are among the topmost costly health conditions for adults 18 to 64 in the U.S., along with cancer and trauma-related disorders.

Black people with mental health conditions, particularly schizophrenia, bipolar disorders, and other psychoses are more likely to be incarcerated than people of other races.

 

Dr. Eliza Belle Mental Health Tips:

How to Relax

Visualization – Close your eyes and picture your peaceful place

Deep breathing – Take a few minutes to slowly breathe in and out. Deep breaths for the win.

Meditation – This will allow you to focus on your body, thoughts, and surroundings.

Unplug – set boundaries for communication, use of devices, and response to requests of your time.

Deep Breaths – Controlled breathing is your body’s built-in calming system. When things feel overwhelming, take a moment to take deep breaths and exhale. This will calm your heart rate and allow you a moment to reset.

Get Up & Move – Adjusting your posture and movement can change your brain’s signals and help reduce stress, depression, and anxiety.

Journal – Journaling allows you to process events, identify what is causing you stress and clarify your feelings. It is a great tool to help gain self-awareness in stressful situations.

Talk to a Loved One -Speaking with someone allows you to express your feelings. It also allows an unbiased party the opportunity to introduce an alternative perspective.

 

Creme of Nature Taps Celebrity Hairstylist & Master Wig/Weave Artist Kellon Deryck as Its New Brand Ambassador

With more than 15 years of professional experience under his belt, Kellon is one of the world’s leading celebrity hairstylists working with today’s hottest stars, such as Grammy Award–winning artist Megan Thee Stallion, music duo City Girls and multi-platinum producer and music icon Missy Elliott. Trained at the esteemed Aveda institute, he is well-versed in haircare and techniques for all hair textures. He also uses his platform as an influencer to mentor and train the next generation of stylists to help navigate their professional careers.

Over the last two decades, there has been tremendous growth in the multicultural haircare space with many Black Women opting to wear their natural hair, protective styles such as weaves, wigs and braids are now the norm to protect their natural textures underneath, while showcasing their individual style. According to a recent study, 45% Black Women are interested in identifying quality products to maintain their hair and scalp under their protective styles. Understanding the trend, Creme of Nature’s objective is to ensure that women wearing protective styles care for the natural hair underneath, which is often forgotten; as well as their desired hairstyle or look. “At Creme of Nature, we do not believe in sacrificing healthy natural hair and scalp care for a great hairstyle,” said Jolorie Williams, General Manager, Revlon Multicultural and Contract Services. “You can have both. Now, with Kellon Deryck on board, a coveted master stylist with a specialty on wigs and weave styling, Creme of Nature can drive that message to naturalistas on their hair chameleon style journey as well as attract and gain new consumers.”

“Ever since I was a young artist in-training, Creme of Nature products have been a household name and my go-to brand for various haircare and styling needs such as trendy braiding and weaving techniques or simply, styling a sleek blow-out. I have used the various collections, no matter if I was working at a salon or doing someone’s hair at home.” said celebrity hairstylist Kellon Deryck. “It’s very imperative that everyone follow a good haircare regimen, and Creme of Nature has always been synonymous with amazing haircare and quality products. I’m beyond honored and excited for this journey to share the brand’s legacy, innovation and newest collections fit for all textures to the community, and even the world. We want to show the entire community the best products Creme of Nature has to offer to promote healthy yet versatile hair.

As a celebrity hairstylist, Kellon is always on the road, whether styling notables and models on photo shoots, magazine covers or red carpets. He’s charged with and committed to caring for his clientele’s hair throughout many stages, from natural hair to protective styles, wigs and weaves. “For all of my client jobs, I make sure my styling kit is prepped and ready with all of the necessary haircare and styling products for whatever hairstyles I might be creating that day,” said Kellon. “I love to create head-turning and trendsetting hairstyles but above all, I believe in taking care of the hair underneath protective styles, the way it naturally grows out of the scalp.”

Under this partnership with Creme of Nature, Kellon will educate and communicate to consumers and community the brand’s product benefits across all social and digital communication and visual representation. He will also collaborate with various retailers on select campaign initiatives.

“Today, Creme of Nature is shining different. We are re-imagining the brand, from its look to the ingredients. Our partnership with Kellon Deryck represents a bold new step to highlight our legacy brand and connect to our community even more,” said Jolorie Williams, General Manager, Revlon Multicultural and Contract Services.

For more information about Creme of Nature, please visit cremeofnature.com.

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Twitter (@cremeofnature)

MMCA PARTNERS WITH STARZ AND NABJ TO HOST INAUGURAL MEDIA DIVERSITY EXCELLENCE AWARDS RECEPTION #TakeTheLead

The Multicultural Media & Correspondents Association (MMCA) is pleased to partner with STARZ and National Association of Black Journalists (NABJ) to host the inaugural Media Diversity Excellence Awards Reception on Thursday, August 19 from 6:00 -7:00 pm EST (3:00 -4:00 pm PST) during NABJ’s signature annual convention.  In keeping with MMCA’s other signature events including their Multicultural Media and Correspondents Dinner (MMCDTM) and inaugural Sheroes in Media Awards Gala, this reception is designed to honor Black media excellence and highlight the need for increased media diversity.  Due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, this year’s gathering will again be hosted in a virtual setting.

This year’s honorees for the inaugural Media Diversity Excellence Awards Reception include “Newsmaker” Award recipient Karine Jean-Pierre (White House Principal Deputy Press Secretary) and “Impact Journalist” Award recipient Trymaine Lee (Pulitzer Prize and Emmy Award Winning Journalist, MSNBC Columnist “Into America,” Podcast Host).

In addition to the presentation of the “Newsmaker” and “Impact Journalist” Awards, the reception will feature a moderated discussion with STARZ talent regarding the network’s #TakeTheLead initiative.

“Partnering with NABJ and MMCA to honor this year’s Media Diversity Excellence Award recipients and discuss our #TakeTheLead initiative aligns with our commitment to promote representation on screen, behind the camera and throughout the organization,” said Jeffrey Hirsch, President and CEO of STARZ.  “Collaborations like this one are an important way for us to engage with impactful and diverse voices that are leading change.”

The conversation will be moderated by Kelley L. Carter (Host of ‘Another Act’ for ESPN’s – The Undefeated) with featured talent from several popular Starz series: Patina Miller (Raising Kanan), Hailey Kilgore (Raising Kanan), Amber Stevens West (Run The World), Corbin Reid (Run The World), Ajiona Alexus (BMF), and Michole Briana White (BMF).

The event will also incorporate a fun interactive cocktail mixing session courtesy of Beam Suntory led by Corbin Reid from STARZ hit series “Run The World,” who serves as celebrity mixologist.

“We are thrilled to partner with STARZ and NABJ for this inaugural Media Diversity Excellence Awards Reception during the signature annual gathering for Black Journalist and media professionals.  MMCA’s vision to create a collective, inclusive and sustained effort to honor BIPOC media excellence and to increase diversity in media ownership and control is more critical than ever.  By joining with STARZ and NABJ, we continue to raise awareness of our collective efforts and pay tribute to those who are leading the fight for media diversity,” said David Morgan, MMCA President.

MMCA’s event partners include: STARZ, NABJ, and Beam Suntory.

Milani Cosmetics® Launches the #Milani Makers Campaign

In honor of 20 years of creativity, individuality and attainability, Milani Cosmetics® is proud to announce the Milani Makers™ Campaign, celebrating the community that has inspired the brand since its inception. The campaign illustrates the spirit of Milani through its brand advocates, the Milani Makers, who are innovators, creators, culture shakers, risk takers, equality seekers and boundary breakers. They strive to bring beauty into the world and leave it better than they found it.

Milani Cosmetics is a market leader in the color cosmetics industry, creating prestige quality makeup at an affordable price. Milani was founded in 2001 by an art teacher in Los Angeles who fell in love with the culture and creativity of the community but was frustrated by a lack of diversity in the drugstore makeup aisles. Today, Milani is known for their iconic Baked Blush™, Make it Last™ Setting Sprays, and Conceal and Perfect 2-in-1 Foundation and Concealer™.

Our Milani Makers inspire us each day to continue to create products that make luxury accessible for all,” stated Mary van Praag, CEO of Milani Cosmetics. “On our 20th anniversary, it was important for us to recognize and support those who have always supported us. We are excited to elevate this dynamic group of innovative and passionate individuals.”

To kick off the campaign, the brand will make donations to seven non-profit organizations. Each organization was chosen by a Milani Maker and represents the brand’s mission to support causes that are changing the world. Milani Makers will continue to raise awareness of these causes via content on Instagram.

“I’m proud to be named a Milani Maker and to partner with a brand that has always been devoted to individuality and creating quality, cruelty-free makeup at an affordable price. Thanks to Milani, I am able to give back to The Blue Mountain Humane Society who is doing amazing things for the animals in my community,” said Rocio Soria (@rocioxsoria).

Throughout the year, Milani will continue to celebrate and highlight its many Milani Makers with social content and giveaways. To learn more or participate, simply use #MilaniMakers for a chance to be featured on the brand’s social channels. Visit www.milanicosmetics.com or @milanicosmetics on Instagram and TikTok.

About Milani Cosmetics 

Inspired by art, diversity and attainability, Los Angeles-based Milani Cosmetics® is a market leader within the color cosmetics industry, creating prestige quality makeup at an affordable price. The brand is dedicated to providing luxe for all – luxury that is inclusive, not exclusive. Milani® has amassed a devoted, multicultural following of artists, change-makers and forward-thinking creators, also known as Milani Makers™, and for over 20 years has been devoted their absolute individuality and freedom to express their authentic selves. All products are proudly cruelty-free and do not contain parabens, phthalates or formaldehyde.

We Are Milani, Luxe for All ™.

New Drip: Juicy Couture x Forever 21 Dropping

After a wildly successful capsule collection earlier this year, we’re excited to share that the new fall Forever 21 x Juicy Couture dropped on August 3 via the Forever 21 App and in-stores nationwide on August 12.

The exclusive collab takes you back in time to Y2K coolness, aka the days of velour tracksuits, scrunchies, glossy lips, and flip-phones.